Dismal result leads to Seoul search

After wasting Thailand chance, China needs to make a point in South Korea

It's not entirely beyond hope, but it still seems pretty hopeless.

Team China's narrow escape from a home defeat to Thailand has granted its World Cup qualifying campaign seemingly nothing more than a stay of execution, leaving fans frustrated by the beleaguered side's bleak future prospects.

Being cheered on by over 46,000 home fans at the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center Stadium, the Chinese men's soccer team failed to capitalize on the overwhelming home support, as it narrowly rescued a 1-1 draw against Thailand in a critical Asian qualifier for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.